How Much Do Window Sash Repairs Experts Make?

Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window Repair trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to many factors, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung Windows repairs near me of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and window repair remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.